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Here's a reviewer summarizing the key information from your provided module on active
learning approaches in language learning.
Introduction to Active Learning
● Active learning approaches involve learners in activities that help them create new
knowledge or make sense of existing knowledge.
● These approaches also help develop 21st-century skills like collaboration, media
literacy, and critical thinking.
● The module focuses on four active learning approaches: Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL),
Research-Based Learning, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), and Project-Based
Learning (PBL).
● A key element is the use of framing questions that guide student investigations.
● Technology, both digital and non-digital, plays an important role in these approaches, but
teachers must ensure its appropriateness and relevance.
Lesson 1: Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL)
Nature of Inquiry-Based Learning
● IBL is a process of asking questions to find answers.
● It's a basic learning activity that helps develop essential skills for the Fourth Industrial
Revolution, such as complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
● In a language classroom, IBL can facilitate communication skills through activities like
writing questions, discussing ways to find answers, and presenting findings.
● Example: A teacher asks students to investigate "Why do some words have different
meanings in different parts of the Philippines?" Students work together to find answers
and present their findings.
When to Use IBL
● IBL is especially useful for learning about language variation, identity, and power
because it allows students to share personal experiences and debate multiple
perspectives.
Types of Inquiry
● Structured Inquiry: Students follow the teacher's lead for a class-wide inquiry.
○ Example: A teacher provides a specific question and the exact steps students must
take to find the answer.
● Controlled Inquiry: The teacher chooses the topic and resources for students to use.
○ Example: The teacher assigns the topic of regional accents and provides a list of
websites and articles for students to use.
● Guided Inquiry: The teacher provides the topic or question, and students design their
own product or solution.
○ Example: The teacher gives the question "How does social media affect how we
use language?" and students decide whether to create a presentation, a video, or a
report to answer it.
● Free Inquiry: Students choose their own topics without a prescribed outcome.
○ Example: Students can choose to investigate any language-related topic they're
interested in, such as the origins of slang or the language used in online gaming.
Role of the Teacher
● The teacher must carefully plan and align IBL activities with the curriculum's learning
competencies.
● They control the topic, set the questions, and guide learners.
● It's assumed the teacher is knowledgeable about the sources of information and can
guide students to appropriate resources, especially online ones.
Role of Technology
● The internet is a primary source for IBL, offering many platforms for finding information.
● Teachers must guide learners to proper and relevant websites that support the inquiry's
objective.
● Technology should not exclude other resources, such as human or non-human sources,
in the inquiry process.
Lesson 2: Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Project-Based Learning
(PBL)
Nature of Problem-Based Learning
● PBL involves solving open-ended questions that don't have just one definite answer.
● The questions focus on applying content standards to real-life issues.
● Students work in small groups to find solutions, engaging in skills like problem-solving,
communication, and research.
● The ultimate goal is to achieve specific learning competencies.
● Example: A teacher presents the problem: "How can we use language to convince our
community to be more environmentally friendly?" Students work in groups to develop a
campaign, like writing persuasive speeches or creating a video advertisement.
Five Principles of PBL
1. It promotes independent and self-directed learning.
2. Learning happens in a group, with the teacher acting as a facilitator.
3. All group members must participate equally.
4. Students learn about motivation, teamwork, problem-solving, and engagement.
5. Various materials (data, photos, articles) can be used to solve the problem.
Six-Stage Process of Online PBL
1. Identifying the problem: Choose current issues with multiple possible solutions.
2. Brainstorming: Generate ideas and ask self-directed questions.
3. Collecting and analyzing information: Group members collect and share information.
4. Synthesizing information: Combine relevant data to solve the problem.
5. Co-building knowledge: Present the solution.
6. Refining the outcomes: The teacher provides feedback for improvement.
Benefits of PBL
● For all learners:
○ Promotes self-confidence, motivation, and a positive attitude towards learning.
○ Reduces nervousness.
○ Increases student responsibility and active learning.
○ Promotes problem-solving skills and self-directed learning.
○ Encourages students to explore many learning resources.
● Specifically for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students:
○ Enhances fluency in communication.
○ Improves grammar, comprehension, and pronunciation.
○ Increases vocabulary.
● Studies show that PBL can significantly improve reading comprehension and life skills like
responsibility, problem-solving, self-direction, communication, and creativity.
